Digital Video Camera Recorder

Transcription

1 (2) Digital Video Camera Recorder Operating Instructions Before operating the unit, please read this manual thoroughly, and retain it for future reference. Owner s Record The model and serial numbers are located on the bottom. Record the serial number in the space provided below. Refer to these numbers whenever you call upon your Sony dealer regarding this product. Model No. DCR-TRV Model No. AC- Serial No. Serial No. DCR-TRV520 DCR-TRV520/TRV Sony Corporation

2 Welcome! Congratulations on your purchase of this Sony Digital Handycam camcorder. With your Digital Handycam, you can capture life s precious moments with superior picture and sound quality. Your Digital Handycam is loaded with advanced features, but at the same time it is very easy to use. You will soon be producing home video that you can enjoy for years to come. WARNING To prevent fire or shock hazard, do not expose the unit to rain or moisture. For customers in the U.S.A. If you have any questions about this product, you may call : Sony Customer Information Center SONY (7669) or write to : Sony Customer Information Center 1 Sony Drive, Mail Drop #T1-11, Park Ridge, NJ CAUTION You are cautioned that any changes or modifications not expressly approved in this manual could void your authority to operate this equipment. 2 This symbol is intended to alert the user to the presence of uninsulated dangerous voltage within the product s enclosure that may be of sufficient magnitude to constitute a risk of electric shock to persons. This symbol is intended to alert the user to the presence of important operating and maintenance (servicing) instructions in the literature accompanying the appliance. Never expose the battery pack to temperatures above 140 F (60 C ) such as in a car parked in the sun or under direct sunlight. DISPOSAL OF LITHIUM ION BATTERY. LITHIUM ION BATTERY. DISPOSE OF PROPERLY. You can return your unwanted lithium ion batteries to your nearest Sony Service Center or Factory Service Center. Note: In some areas the disposal of lithium ion batteries in household or business trash may be prohibited. For the Sony Service Center nearest you call SONY (United States only) For the Sony Factory Service Center nearest you call SONY (Canada only) Caution: Do not handle damaged or leaking lithium ion battery. Declaration of Conformity Trade Name: SONY Model No.: DCR-TRV520 Responsible Party: Sony Electronics lnc. Address: 1 Sony Drive, Park Ridge, NJ, USA Telephone No.: This device complies with Part15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions.: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation. Declaration of Conformity Trade Name: SONY Model No.: DCR-TRV525 Responsible Party: Sony Electronics lnc. Address: 1 Sony Drive, Park Ridge, NJ, USA Telephone No.: This device complies with Part15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions.: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

3 Note: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures: Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna. Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver. Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected. Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/tv technician for help. For customers in CANADA CAUTION TO PREVENT ELECTRIC SHOCK, MATCH WIDE BLADE OF PLUG TO WIDE SLOT, FULLY INSERT. Memory Stick For customers in CANADA This Class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003. For customers in the U.S.A This device complies with Part15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions.: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation. 3

4 4 Table of contents Checking supplied accessories... 5 Quick Start Guide... 6 Getting started Using this manual... 8 Step 1 Preparing the power supply Installing the battery pack Charging the battery pack Connecting to a wall outlet Step 2 Inserting a cassette Recording Basics Recording a picture Shooting backlit subjects BACK LIGHT Shooting in the dark NightShot/Super NightShot Self-timer recording Checking the recording END SEARCH / EDITSEARCH / Rec Review Playback Basics Playing back a tape Viewing the recording on TV Advanced Recording Operations Recording a still image on a tape Tape Photo recording Using the wide mode Using the fader function Using special effects Picture effect Using special effects Digital effect Using the PROGRAM AE function Adjusting the exposure manually Focusing manually Superimposing a title Making your own titles Inserting a scene Advanced Playback Operations Playing back a tape with picture effects Playing back a tape with digital effects Enlarging recorded images PB ZOOM Quickly locating a scene using the zero set memory function Searching a recording by date Date search Searching for a photo Photo search/photo scan Editing Dubbing a tape Using with analog video unit and PC Signal convert function Recording video or TV programs Inserting a scene from a VCR Insert Editing Customizing Your Camcorder Changing the menu settings Resetting the date and time Memory Stick operations Using Memory Stick introduction Recording still images on Memory Stick Memory Photo recording Superimposing a still image in the Memory Stick on a moving image MEMORY MIX Recording an image from a tape as a still image Copying still images from a tape Photo save Viewing a still image Memory Photo playback Copying the image recorded on Memory Stick to tapes Enlarging still images recorded on Memory Stick s Memory PB ZOOM Playing back images in a continuous loop SLIDE SHOW Preventing accidental erasure Image protection Deleting images Writing a print mark PRINT MARK Additional Information Digital8 system, recording and playback About i.link Changing the lithium battery in your camcorder Troubleshooting Self-diagnosis display Warning indicators and messages Using your camcorder abroad Maintenance information and precautions Specifications Quick Reference Identifying the parts and controls Quick Function Guide Index Microsoft and Windows are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries. Macintosh and Mac OS are trademarks of Apple Computer, Inc. All other product names mentioned herein may be the trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies. Furthermore, and are not mentioned in each case in this manual.

5 Checking supplied accessories Make sure that the following accessories are supplied with your camcorder Getting started qa 1 Wireless Remote Commander (1) (p. 128) 2 AC-L10A/L10B/L10C AC power adaptor (1), Power cord (1) (p. 11) 3 NP-F330 battery pack (1) (p. 10, 11) 4 CR2025 lithium battery (1) (p. 106) The lithium battery is already installed in your camcorder. 5 Size AA (R6) battery for Remote Commander (2) (p. 128) 6 A/V connecting cable (1) (p. 27) 7 Shoulder strap (1) (p. 125) 8 Lens cap (1) (p. 16) 9 PC serial cable (1) (p. 91) 0 Memory Stick (1) (p. 72) qa Application software: PictureGear 4.1 Lite (CD-ROM) (1) (p. 91) Contents of the recording cannot be compensated if recording or playback is not made due to a malfunction of the camcorder, video tape, etc. 5

6 Quick Start Guide This chapter introduces you to the basic features of your camcorder. See the page in parentheses ( ) for more information. Connecting the power cord (p. 14) Use the battery pack when using your camcorder outdoors (p. 10). Open the DC IN jack cover. Quick Start Guide Connect the plug with its v mark facing up. AC power adaptor (supplied) Inserting a cassette (p. 15) 1 Open the lid of the cassette compartment, and press EJECT. The compartment opens automatically. EJECT 2 Insert a cassette into the cassette compartment with its window facing out and the write-protect tab on the cassette up. 3 Close the cassette compartment by pressing the mark on the cassette compartment. The cassette compartment automatically goes down. Close the lid of the cassette compartment. 6

7 Recording a picture (p. 16) 1 Remove the lens cap. 2 Set the POWER switch to CAMERA while pressing the small green button. VTR MEMORY OFF (CHARGE) CAMERA 3 Open the LCD panel while pressing OPEN. The picture appears on the LCD screen. 4 Press the red button. Your camcorder starts recording. To stop recording, press the red button again. Viewfinder When the LCD panel is closed, use the viewfinder placing your eye against its eyecup. The picture in the viewfinder is black and white (DCR-TRV520 only). Monitoring the playback picture on the LCD screen (p. 24) VTR MEMORY OFF (CHARGE) CAMERA Quick Start Guide 2 Press m to rewind the tape. REW 3 Press N to start playback. PLAY 1 Set the POWER switch to VTR while pressing the small green button. VTR MEMORY OFF (CHARGE) CAMERA Note Do not pick up your camcorder by holding the viewfinder, the LCD panel, or the battery pack. 7

8 Getting started Using this manual The instructions in this manual are for the two models listed in the table below. Before you start reading this manual and operating your camcorder, check the model number by looking at the bottom of your camcorder. The DCR-TRV520 is the model used for illustration purposes. Otherwise, the model name is indicated in the illustrations. Any differences in operation are clearly indicated in the text, for example, DCR-TRV520 only. As you read through this manual, buttons and settings on your camcorder are shown in capital letters. e.g. Set the POWER switch to CAMERA. When you carry out an operation, you can hear a beep sound to indicate that the operation is being carried out. Type of difference DCR- TRV520 TRV525 viewfinder B/W Color Before using your camcorder With your digital camcorder, you can use Hi8 /Digital8 video cassettes. Your camcorder records and plays back pictures in the Digital8 system. Also, your camcorder plays back tapes recorded in the Hi8 /standard 8 (analog) system. You, however, cannot use the functions in Advanced Playback Operations on page 49 to 56 for playback in the Hi8 /standard 8 system. To enable smooth transition, we recommend that you do not mix pictures recorded in the Hi8 /standard 8 with the Digital8 system on a tape. Note on TV color systems TV color systems differ from country to country. To view your recordings on a TV, you need an NTSC system-based TV. Copyright precautions Television programs, films, video tapes, and other materials may be copyrighted. Unauthorized recording of such materials may be contrary to the provision of the copyright laws. 8

9 Using this manual Precautions on camcorder care The LCD screen and the viewfinder are manufactured using high-precision technology. However, there may be some tiny black points and/or bright points (red, blue, green or white) that constantly appear on the LCD screen and in the viewfinder. These points occur normally in the manufacturing process and do not affect the recorded picture in any way. Effective ratio of pixels and/or screen are 99.99% or more. Do not let your camcorder get wet. Keep your camcorder away from rain and sea water. Letting your camcorder get wet may cause your camcorder to malfunction. Sometimes this malfunction cannot be repaired [a]. Never leave your camcorder exposed to temperatures above 140 F (60 C ), such as in a car parked in the sun or under direct sunlight [b]. Do not place your camcorder so as to point the viewfinder, the LCD screen or lens toward the sun. The inside of the viewfinder, LCD screen or lens may be damaged [c]. Getting started [a] [b] [c] 9

10 Step 1 Preparing the power supply Installing the battery pack Install the battery pack to use your camcorder outdoors. Slide the battery pack down until it clicks. To remove the battery pack Slide the battery pack out in the direction of the arrow while pressing RELEASE down. BATT BATT RELEASE After installing the battery pack Do not carry your camcorder by holding the battery pack. If you do so, the battery pack may slide off your camcorder unintentionally, damaging your camcorder. 10

11 Step 1 Preparing the power supply Charging the battery pack 4 Use the battery pack after charging it for your camcorder. Your camcorder operates only with the InfoLITHIUM battery pack (L series). (1) Open the DC IN jack cover and connect the AC power adaptor supplied with your camcorder to the DC IN jack with the plug s v mark facing up. (2) Connect the power cord to the AC power adaptor. (3) Connect the power cord to a wall outlet. (4) Set the POWER switch to OFF (CHARGE). Charging begins. The remaining battery time is indicated in minutes on the display window. When the remaining battery indicator changes to u, normal charge is completed. To fully charge the battery (full charge), leave the battery pack attached for about 1 hour after normal charge is completed until FULL appears in the display window. Fully charging the battery allows you to use the battery longer than usual. VTR MEMORY OFF (CHARGE) CAMERA Getting started 2 1 After charging the battery pack Disconnect the AC power adaptor from the DC IN jack on your camcorder. Notes Prevent metallic objects from coming into contact with the metal parts of the DC plug of the AC power adaptor. This may cause a short-circuit, damaging the AC power adaptor. Keep the battery pack dry. When the battery pack is not to be used for a long time, charge the battery pack once fully, and then use it until it fully discharges again. Keep the battery pack in a cool place. When the battery pack is charged fully The LCD backlight of the display window is turned off. Remaining battery time indicator The remaining battery time indicator in the display window roughly indicates the recording time with the viewfinder. Battery pack The supplied battery pack is charged a little. 11

12 Step 1 Preparing the power supply Until your camcorder calculates the actual remaining battery time min appears in the display window. While charging the battery pack, no indicator appears or the indicator flashes in the display window in the following cases: The battery pack is not installed correctly. The AC power adaptor is disconnected. Something is wrong with the battery pack. Charging time Battery pack Full charge (Normal charge) NP-F330 (supplied) 150 (90) NP-F530/F (150) NP-F730/F730H/F (240) NP-F930/F (330) NP-F (360) Approximate number of minutes to charge an empty battery pack Recording time DCR-TRV520 Recording with Recording with Battery pack the viewfinder the LCD screen Continuous* Typical** Continuous* Typical** NP-F330 (supplied) 95 (85) 55 (50) 75 (65) 40 (35) NP-F (145) 90 (80) 120 (105) 70 (60) NP-F (175) 110 (100) 145 (130) 80 (75) NP-F (290) 185 (165) 265 (240) 150 (135) NP-F730H/F (355) 225 (200) 305 (270) 175 (155) NP-F (465) 295 (265) 415 (375) 235 (215) NP-F (550) 345 (315) 475 (430) 270 (245) NP-F (645) 410 (365) 565 (505) 320 (285) DCR-TRV Recording with Recording with Battery pack the viewfinder the LCD screen Continuous* Typical** Continuous* Typical** NP-F330 (supplied) 105 (95) 60 (55) 75 (65) 40 (35) NP-F (160) 100 (90) 120 (105) 70 (60) NP-F (190) 120 (110) 145 (130) 80 (75) NP-F (325) 210 (185) 265 (240) 150 (135) NP-F730H/F (395) 250 (225) 305 (270) 175 (155) NP-F (520) 325 (295) 415 (375) 235 (215) NP-F (610) 385 (345) 475 (430) 270 (245) NP-F (710) 450 (405) 565 (505) 320 (285) Approximate number of minutes when you use a fully charged battery Numbers in parentheses ( ) indicate the time using a normally charged battery. * Approximate continuous recording time at 77 F (25 C). The battery life will be shorter if you use your camcorder in a cold environment. ** Approximate number of minutes when recording while you repeat recording start/ stop, zooming and turning the power on/off. The actual battery life may be shorter.

13 Step 1 Preparing the power supply Playing time DCR-TRV520 Battery pack Playing time on LCD screen Playing time with LCD closed NP-F330 (supplied) 70 (65) 95 (85) NP-F (105) 155 (140) NP-F (130) 190 (170) NP-F (235) 315 (285) NP-F730H/F (265) 385 (345) NP-F (370) 495 (450) NP-F (420) 590 (530) NP-F (495) 700 (630) Getting started DCR-TRV525 Battery pack Playing time on LCD screen Playing time with LCD closed NP-F330 (supplied) 70 (65) 100 (90) NP-F (105) 170 (155) NP-F (130) 205 (185) NP-F (235) 350 (310) NP-F730H/F (265) 425 (380) NP-F (370) 555 (500) NP-F (420) 650 (590) NP-F (495) 765 (685) Approximate number of minutes when you use a fully charged battery Numbers in parentheses ( ) indicate the time using a normally charged battery. The battery life will be shorter if you use your camcorder in a cold environment. The remaining battery time indicator The indicator may not be correct, depending on the conditions in which you are recording. When you close the LCD panel and open it again, it takes about 1 minute for the correct remaining battery time to be displayed. If t he power may go off although the battery remaining indicator indicates that the battery pack has enough power to operate Charge the battery pack fully again so that the indication on the battery remaining indicator is correct. What is InfoLITHIUM? The InfoLITHIUM is a lithium ion battery pack which can exchange data such as battery consumption with compatible electronic equipment. This unit is compatible with the InfoLITHIUM battery pack (L series). Your camcorder operates only with the InfoLITHIUM battery. InfoLITHIUM battery packs have the mark. InfoLITHIUM is a trademark of Sony Corporation. 13

14 Step 1 Preparing the power supply Connecting to a wall outlet When you use your camcorder for a long time, we recommend that you power it from a wall outlet using the AC power adaptor. (1) Open the DC IN jack cover, and connect the AC power adaptor to the DC IN jack on your camcorder with the plug s v mark facing up. (2) Connect the power cord to the AC power adaptor. (3) Connect the power cord to a wall outlet. 1 2, 3 PRECAUTION The set is not disconnected from the AC power source (house current) as long as it is connected to the wall outlet, even if the set itself has been turned off. Notes The AC power adaptor can supply power even if the battery pack is attached to your camcorder. The DC IN jack has source priority. This means that the battery pack cannot supply any power if the power cord is connected to the DC IN jack, even when the power cord is not plugged into a wall outlet. Using a car battery Use Sony DC Adaptor/Charger (not supplied). 14

15 Step 2 Inserting a cassette We recommend using Hi8 /Digital8 video cassettes. (1) Prepare the power supply (p. 10). (2) Open the lid of the cassette compartment, and press EJECT. The cassette compartment opens automatically. (3) Insert a cassette with its window facing out and the write-protect tab on the cassette up. (4) Close the cassette compartment by pressing the mark on the cassette compartment. The cassette compartment automatically goes down. (5) Close the lid of the cassette compartment ,5 Getting started EJECT To eject a cassette Follow the procedure above, and eject the cassette in step 3. Notes Do not press the cassette compartment down. Doing so may cause malfunction. Your camcorder records pictures in the Digital8 system. The recording time when you use your camcorder is half of indicated time on Hi8 tape. If you select the LP mode in the menu settings, 3/4 of indicated time on Hi8 tape. If you use standard 8 tape, be sure to play back the tape on this camcorder. Mosaic pattern noise may appear when you play back standard 8 tape on other camcorders (including other DCR-TRV520/TRV525). The cassette compartment may not be closed when you press any part of the lid other than the mark. Do not pick up your camcorder by holding the lid of the cassette compartment. To prevent accidental erasure Slide the write-protect tab on the cassette to expose the red mark. 15

16 Recording Basics Recording a picture Your camcorder automatically focuses for you. (1) Remove the lens cap by pressing both knobs on its sides and attach the lens cap to the grip strap. (2) Install the power source and insert a cassette. See Step 1 and Step 2 for more information (p. 10 to 15). (3) Set the POWER switch to CAMERA while pressing the small green button. Your camcorder is set to the standby mode. (4) Open the LCD panel while pressing OPEN. The viewfinder automatically turns off. (5) Press START/STOP. Your camcorder starts recording. The REC indicator appears. The camera recording lamp located on the front of your camcorder lights up. To stop recording, press START/STOP again. The recording lamp lights up in the viewfinder when you record with the viewfinder (DCR-TRV520 only). 1 3 VTR 4 5 MEMORY OFF (CHARGE) CAMERA VTR MEMORY OFF (CHARGE) CAMERA 40min SP REC 0:00:01 Microphone Camera recording lamp 2 Notes Fasten the grip strap firmly. Do not touch the built-in microphone during recording. 16 Note on Recording mode Your camcorder records and plays back in the SP (standard play) mode and in the LP (long play) mode. Select SP or LP in the menu settings (p 64). In the LP mode, you can record 1.5 times as long as in the SP mode. When you record a tape in the LP mode on your camcorder, we recommend that you play back the tape on your camcorder.

17 Recording a picture Note on LOCK When you slide LOCK to the left, the POWER switch can no longer be set to MEMORY accidentally. The LOCK is released as a default setting. To enable smooth transition You can make the transition between the last scene you recorded and the next scene smooth as long as you do not eject the cassette if you turn off your camcorder. When you change the battery pack, set the POWER switch to OFF (CHARGE). If you leave your camcorder in the standby mode for 3 minutes Your camcorder automatically turns off. This is to save battery power and to prevent battery and tape wear. To resume the standby mode, set the POWER switch to OFF (CHARGE) once, then turn it to CAMERA again. Recording Basics Adjusting the LCD screen To adjust the brightness of the LCD screen, press either of the two buttons on LCD BRIGHT. The LCD panel moves about 90 degrees to the viewfinder side and about 180 degrees to the lens side. If you turn the LCD panel over so that it faces the other way, the indicator appears on the LCD screen and in the viewfinder (Mirror mode). to brighten 180 to dim LCD BRIGHT 90 When closing the LCD panel, set it vertically until it clicks, and swing it into the camcorder body. Note When using the LCD screen except in the mirror mode, the viewfinder automatically turns off. When you use the LCD screen outdoors in direct sunlight The LCD screen may be difficult to see. If this happens, we recommend that you use the viewfinder. Picture in the mirror mode The picture on the LCD is a mirror-image. However, the picture will be normal when recorded. During recording in the mirror mode You cannot operate the ZERO SET MEMORY on the Remote Commander. Indicators in the mirror mode The STBY indicator appears as Xz and REC as z. Some of other indicators appear mirror-reversed and others are not displayed. 17

18 Recording a picture After recording (1) Set the POWER switch to OFF (CHARGE). (2) Close the LCD panel. (3) Eject the cassette. Using the zoom feature Move the power zoom lever a little for a slower zoom. Move it further for a faster zoom. Using the zoom function sparingly results in better-looking recordings. T side: for telephoto (subject appears closer) W side: for wide-angle (subject appears farther away) W T W T W T Zoom greater than 25 is performed digitally. To activate digital zoom, select the digital zoom power in D ZOOM in the menu settings. (p. 64) The picture quality deteriorates as the picture is processed digitally. The right side of the bar shows the digital zooming zone. The digital zooming zone appears when you select the digital zoom power in D ZOOM in the menu settings. W T Notes on digital zoom Digital zoom starts to function when zoom exceeds 25. The picture quality deteriorates as you go toward the T side. When you shoot close to a subject If you cannot get a sharp focus, move the power zoom lever to the W side until the focus is sharp. You can shoot a subject that is at least about 2 feet 5/8 inch (about 80 cm) away from the lens surface in the telephoto position, or about 1/2 inch (about 1 cm) away in the wide-angle position. 18

19 Recording a picture To record pictures with the viewfinder adjusting the viewfinder If you record pictures with the LCD panel closed, check the picture with the viewfinder. Adjust the viewfinder lens to your eyesight so that the indicators in the viewfinder come into sharp focus. Lift up the viewfinder and move the viewfinder lens adjustment lever. Recording Basics Indicators displayed in the recording mode The indicators are not recorded on tape. Remaining battery time indicator Format indicator Recording mode indicator STBY/REC indicator 40min SP REC 0:00:01 Time code/tape counter indicator Remaining tape indicator This appears after you start to record for a while. JUL :05:56 AM Time indicator This is displayed for five seconds after the POWER switch is set to CAMERA or MEMORY. Date indicator This is displayed for five seconds after the POWER switch is set to CAMERA or MEMORY. Time code (for tapes recorded in the Digital8 system only) The time code indicates the recording or playback time, 0:00:00 (hours:minutes: seconds) in CAMERA mode and 0:00:00:00 (hours:minutes:seconds:frames) in VTR mode. You cannot rewrite only the time code. When you play back tapes recorded in the Hi8/standard 8 system, the tape counter appears. You cannot reset the time code or the tape counter. 19

20 Recording a picture Shooting backlit subjects BACK LIGHT When you shoot a subject with the light source behind the subject or a subject with a light background, use the backlight function. Press BACK LIGHT in CAMERA or MEMORY mode. The. indicator appears on the LCD screen or in the viewfinder. To cancel, press BACK LIGHT again. BACK LIGHT If you press EXPOSURE when shooting backlit subjects The backlight function will be canceled. Shooting in the dark NightShot/Super NightShot The NightShot function enables you to shoot a subject in a dark place. For example, you can satisfactorily record the environment of nocturnal animals for observation when you use this function. While your camcorder is in CAMERA or MEMORY mode, slide NIGHTSHOT to ON. and NIGHTSHOT indicators flash on the LCD screen or in the viewfinder. To cancel the NightShot function, slide NIGHTSHOT to OFF. NIGHTSHOT OFF ON SUPER NIGHTSHOT NightShot Light emitter 20

21 Recording a picture Using SUPER NIGHTSHOT The Super NightShot mode makes subjects up to 16 times brighter than those recorded in the NightShot mode. (1) Slide NIGHTSHOT to ON in CAMERA mode. and NIGHTSHOT indicators flash on the LCD screen or in the viewfinder. (2) Press SUPER NIGHTSHOT. and SUPER NIGHTSHOT indicators flash on the LCD screen or in the viewfinder. To cancel the Super NightShot mode, press SUPER NIGHTSHOT again. Using the NightShot Light The picture will be clearer with the NightShot Light on. To enable NightShot Light, set N.S.LIGHT to ON in the menu settings (p. 64). Recording Basics Notes Do not use the NightShot function in bright places (ex. outdoors in the daytime). This may cause your camcorder to malfunction. When you keep NIGHTSHOT set to ON in normal recording, the picture may be recorded in incorrect or unnatural colors. If focusing is difficult with the autofocus mode when using the NightShot function, focus manually. While using the NightShot function, you can not use the following functions: Exposure PROGRAM AE While using the Super NightShot function, you can not use the following functions: Fader Digital effect Exposure PROGRAM AE Shutter speed in the Super NightShot mode The shutter speed will be automatically changed depending on the brightness of the background. The motion of the picture will be slow. NightShot Light NightShot Light rays are infrared and so are invisible. The maximum shooting distance using the NightShot Light is about 10 feet (3 m). 21

22 Recording a picture Self-timer recording Recording with the self-timer starts in 10 seconds automatically. This mode is useful when you want to record yourself. You can also use the Remote Commander for this operation. (1) Press (self-timer) in the standby mode. The (self-timer) indicator appears on the LCD screen or in the viewfinder. (2) Press START/STOP. Self-timer starts counting down from 10 with a beep sound. In the last two seconds of the countdown, the beep sound gets faster, then recording starts automatically. START/STOP 2 VTR 1 (self-timer) MEMORY OFF (CHARGE) CAMERA To stop the self-timer recording Press START/STOP. Use the Remote Commander for convenience. To record still images using the self-timer Press PHOTO in step 2. (P. 30) To cancel self-timer recording Press (self-timer) so that the indicator disappears from the LCD or viewfinder screen while your camcorder is in the standby mode. Note The self-timer recording mode is automatically cancelled when: Self-timer recording is finished. The POWER switch is set to OFF (CHARGE) or VTR. 22

23 Checking the recording END SEARCH / EDITSEARCH / Rec Review You can use these buttons to check the recorded picture or shoot so that the transition between the last recorded scene and the next scene you record is smooth. EDIT SEARCH END SEARCH Recording Basics END SEARCH You can go to the end of the recorded section after you record. Press END SEARCH in the standby mode. The last 5 seconds of the recorded section are played back and returns to the standby mode. You can monitor the sound from the speaker or headphones. EDITSEARCH You can search for the next recording start point. Hold down the +/ (7) side of EDITSEARCH in the standby mode. The recorded section is played back. + : to go forward : to go backward Release EDITSEARCH to stop playback. If you press START/STOP, re-recording begins from the point you released EDITSEARCH. You cannot monitor the sound. Rec Review You can check the section which you have stopped most recently. Press the (7) side of EDITSEARCH momentarily in the standby mode. The section you have stopped most recently will be played back for a few seconds, and then your camcorder will return to the standby mode. You can monitor the sound from the speaker or headphones. Notes END SEARCH, EDITSEARCH and Rec Review work only for tapes recorded in the Digital8 system. If you start recording after using the end search function, occasionally, the transition between the last scene you recorded and the next scene may not be smooth. Once you eject the cassette after you have recorded on the tape, the end search function does not work. If a tape has a black portion in the recorded portions The end search function may not work correctly. 23

24 Playback Basics Playing back a tape You can monitor the playback picture on the LCD screen. If you close the LCD panel, you can monitor the playback picture in the viewfinder. You can control playback using the Remote Commander supplied with your camcorder. (1) Install the power source and insert the recorded tape. (2) Set the POWER switch to VTR while pressing the small green button. The video control buttons light up. (3) Open the LCD panel while pressing OPEN. (4) Press m to rewind the tape. (5) Press N to start playback. (6) To adjust the volume, press either of the two buttons on VOLUME. The speaker on your camcorder is silent when the LCD panel is closed. 2 OFF VTR MEMORY CAMERA 4 REW 5 PLAY 3 6 VOLUME 1 To stop playback Press x. When monitoring on the LCD screen You can turn the LCD panel over and move it back to the camcorder body with the LCD screen facing out. 24

25 Playing back a tape To display the screen indicators Display function Press DISPLAY on your camcorder or the Remote Commander supplied with your camcorder. The indicators appear on the LCD screen. To make the indicators disappear, press DISPLAY again. DATA CODE DISPLAY Playback Basics Using the data code function Your camcorder automatically records not only images on the tape but also the recording data (date/time or various settings when recorded) (Data code). Press DATA CODE on your camcorder or the Remote Commander in the playback mode. The display changes as follows: date/time t various settings (SteadyShot, exposure AUTO/MANUAL, white balance, gain, shutter speed, aperture value) t no indicator JUL :05:56 AM AUTO 60 AWB F1.6 9dB Not to display recording date Set DATA CODE to DATE in the menu settings (p. 64). The display changes as follows: date/time t no indicator Notes on the data code function The data code function works only for tapes recorded in the Digital8 system. Various settings of the recording data are not recorded when recording images on Memory Stick. Recording data Recording data is your camcorder s information when you have recorded. In the recording mode, the recording data will not be displayed. When you use data code function, bars ( and --:--:--) appear if: A blank section of the tape is being played back. The tape is unreadable due to tape damage or noise. The tape was recorded by a camcorder without the date and time set. Data code When you connect your camcorder to the TV, the data code appears on the TV screen. 25

26 Playing back a tape Various playback modes 26 To operate video control buttons, set the POWER switch to VTR. To view a still image (playback pause) Press X during playback. To resume playback, press X or N. To advance the tape Press M in the stop mode. To resume normal playback, press N. To rewind the tape Press m in the stop mode. To resume normal playback, press N. To change the playback direction Press on the Remote Commander during playback to reverse the playback direction. To resume normal playback, press N. To locate a scene monitoring the picture (picture search) Keep pressing m or M during playback. To resume normal playback, release the button. To monitor the high-speed picture while advancing or rewinding the tape (skip scan) Keep pressing m while rewinding or M while advancing the tape. To resume rewinding or advancing, release the button. To view the picture at slow speed (slow playback) Press y on the Remote Commander during playback. For slow playback in the reverse direction, press, then press y on the Remote Commander. To resume normal playback, press N. To view the picture at double speed Press 2 on the Remote Commander during playback. For double speed playback in the reverse direction, press, then press 2 on the Remote Commander. To resume normal playback, press N. To view the picture frame-by-frame Press C on the Remote Commander in the playback pause mode. For frame-by-frame playback in the reverse direction, press c. To resume normal playback, press N. To search the last scene recorded (END SEARCH) Press END SEARCH in the stop mode. The last 5 seconds of the recorded section plays back and stops. In the various playback modes Noise may appear when your camcorder plays back tapes recorded in the Hi8/ standard 8 system. Sound is muted. The previous recording may appear as a mosaic image when playing back in the Digital8 system. Notes on the playback pause mode When the playback pause mode lasts for 3 minutes, your camcorder automatically enters the stop mode. To resume playback, press N. The previous recording may appear. Slow playback for tapes recorded in the Digital8 system The slow playback can be performed smoothly on your camcorder; however, this function does not work for an output signal from the DV IN/OUT jack. When you play back a tape in reverse Horizontal noise may appear at the center or top and bottom of the screen. This is not a malfunction.

27 Viewing the recording on TV Connect your camcorder to your TV or VCR with the A/V connecting cable supplied with your camcorder to watch the playback picture on the TV screen. You can operate the playback control buttons in the same way as when you monitor playback pictures on the LCD screen. When monitoring the playback picture on the TV screen, we recommend that you power your camcorder from a wall outlet using the AC power adaptor (p. 14). Refer to the operating instructions of your TV or VCR. Open the jack cover. Connect your camcorder to the TV using the A/V connecting cable. Then, set the TV/VCR selector on the TV to VCR. S VIDEO AUDIO / VIDEO IN S VIDEO Playback Basics VIDEO AUDIO : Signal flow If your TV is already connected to a VCR Connect your camcorder to the LINE IN input on the VCR by using the A/V connecting cable supplied with your camcorder. Set the input selector on the VCR to LINE. If your TV or VCR is a monaural type Connect the yellow plug of the A/V connecting cable to the video input jack and the white or the red plug to the audio input jack on the VCR or the TV. If you connect the white plug, the sound is L (left) signal. If you connect the red plug, the sound is R (right) signal. If your TV or VCR has an S video jack Connect using an S video cable (not supplied) to obtain high-quality pictures. With this connection, you do not need to connect the yellow (video) plug of the A/V connecting cable. Connect an S video cable (not supplied) to the S video jacks on both your camcorder and the TV or the VCR. 27

28 Viewing the recording on TV Using the AV cordless IR receiver Once you connect the AV cordless IR receiver (not supplied) to your TV or VCR, you can easily view the picture on your TV. For details, refer to the operating instructions of the AV cordless IR receiver. S.LASER LINK Super laser link emitter Before operation Attach the power supply such as the AC power adaptor to your camcorder, and insert the recorded tape. (1) After connecting your TV and AV cordless IR receiver, set the POWER switch on the AV cordless IR receiver to ON. (2) Turn the TV on and set the TV/VCR selector on the TV to VCR. (3) Set the POWER switch on your camcorder to VTR (4) Press S.LASER LINK. The lamp of S.LASER LINK lights up. (5) Press N on your camcorder to start playback. (6) Point the super laser link emitter at the AV cordless IR receiver. Adjust the position of your camcorder and the AV cordless IR receiver to obtain clear playback pictures. To cancel the super laser link function Press S.LASER LINK. The lamp on the S.LASER LINK button goes out. 28 If you use a Sony TV You can turn on the TV automatically when you press S.LASER LINK on your camcorder. To do so, do as follow in advance: Turn the TV s main switch on. Set AUTO TV ON to ON in the menu settings. Point the super laser link emitter of your camcorder at the TV s remote sensor. You can switch the video input of the TV automatically to the one which the AV cordless IR receiver is connected. To do so, set AUTO TV ON to ON and TV INPUT to the same video input (1, 2, 3) in the menu settings. With some models, however, the picture and sound may be disconnected momentarily when the video input is switched. The above feature may not work on some TV models. If you turn the power off Super laser link function turns off automatically. When super laser link is activated (the S.LASER LINK button is lit) Your camcorder consumes power. Press S.LASER LINK to turn off the super laser link function when it is not needed. is a trademark of Sony Corporation.

29 Advanced Recording Operations Recording a still image on a tape Tape Photo recording You can record a still image like a photograph. This mode is useful when you want to record an image such as a photograph or when you print a picture using a video printer (not supplied). You can record about 510 images in the SP mode and about 765 images in the LP mode on a tape which can record for 60 minutes in the SP mode. Besides the operation described here, your camcorder can record still images on Memory Stick s (p. 72). (1) In the standby mode, keep pressing PHOTO lightly until a still image appears. The CAPTURE indicator appears. Recording does not start yet. To change the still image, release PHOTO, select a still image again, and then press and hold PHOTO lightly. (2) Press PHOTO deeper. The still image on the LCD screen or in the viewfinder is recorded for about seven seconds. The sound during those seven seconds is also recorded. The still image is displayed on the LCD screen or in the viewfinder untill recording is completed. 1 2 PHOTO PHOTO CAPTURE Advanced Recording Operations Notes During the tape photo recording, you cannot change the mode or setting. The PHOTO button does not work: while the digital effect function is set or in use. while the fader function is in use. When recording a still image, do not shake your camcorder. Mosaic-pattern noise may appear on the image. To use tape photo recording function using the Remote Commander Press PHOTO in the Remote Commander. Your camcorder records an image on the LCD screen or in the viewfinder immediately. When you use the tape photo recording function during normal CAMERA recording You cannot check an image on the LCD screen or in the viewfinder by pressing PHOTO lightly. Press PHOTO deeper. The still image is then recorded for about seven seconds, and your camcorder returns to the standby mode. During the seven seconds to record, you cannot shoot another still image. 29

30 Recording a still image on a tape Tape Photo recording Self-timer tape photo recording You can record still images on tapes with the self-timer. This mode is useful when you want to record yourself. You can also use the Remote Commander for this operation. (1) In the standby mode, press (self-timer). The (self-timer) indicator appears on the LCD screen or in the viewfinder. (2) Press PHOTO firmly. Self-timer starts counting down from 10 with a beep sound. In the last two seconds of the countdown, the beep sound gets faster, then recording starts automatically. 2 PHOTO PHOTO 1 (self-timer) To cancel self-timer recording Press (self-timer) so that the indicator disappears from the LCD or viewfinder screen while your camcorder is in the standby mode. You cannot cancel self-timer recording with the Remote Commander. Note The self-timer recording mode is automatically cancelled when: Self-timer recording is finished. The POWER switch is set to OFF (CHARGE) or VTR. 30

31 Recording a still image on a tape Tape Photo recording Printing the still image You can print a still image by using the video printer (not supplied). Connect the video printer using the A/V connecting cable supplied with your camcorder. Connect the A/V connecting cable to the AUDIO/VIDEO jack and connect the yellow plug of the cable to the video input of the video printer. Refer to the operating instructions of the video printer as well. S VIDEO AUDIO / VIDEO Video printer LINE IN VIDEO S VIDEO Advanced Recording Operations : Signal flow If the video printer is equipped with S video input Use the S video connecting cable (not supplied). Connect it to the S VIDEO jack and the S video input of the video printer. 31

32 Using the wide mode You can record a 16:9 wide picture to watch on the 16:9 wide-screen TV (16:9 WIDE). Black bands appear on the LCD screen or in the viewfinder (DCR-TRV525) during recording in 16:9 WIDE mode [a]. The picture during playing back in the viewfinder (DCR-TRV520), on a normal TV [b] or a wide-screen TV [c] are compressed in the widthwise direction. If you set the screen mode of the wide-screen TV to the full mode, you can watch pictures of normal images [d]. [a] 16:9WIDE [b] [c] [d] In the standby mode, set 16:9WIDE to ON in the menu settings (p. 64). MENU To cancel the wide mode Set 16:9WIDE to OFF in the menu settings. 32 In the wide mode, you cannot select the following functions: Old movie Bounce During recording You cannot select or cancel the wide mode. When you cancel the wide mode, set your camcorder to the standby mode and then set 16:9WIDE to OFF in the menu setting. Connection for a TV Pictures recorded in the 16:9WIDE mode automatically appear on the TV screen at full size when: you connect your camcorder to a TV that is compatible with the video ID (ID-1/ID-2) system. you connect your camcorder to the S video jack on the TV. ID-2 system The ID-2 system sends a copyright protection signal with ID-1 signals inserted between video signals when you connect your camcorder to other equipment by an A/V connecting cable. If the wide mode is set to ON The SteadyShot function does not work. If you set 16:9WIDE to ON in the menu settings when the SteadyShot function is working, flashes and the SteadyShot function does not function.

33 Using the fader function You can fade the picture in or out to give your recording a professional appearance. [a] STBY REC FADER M.FADER (mosaic) 1) 2) BOUNCE OVERLAP 2) Advanced Recording Operations WIPE 2) DOT 2) (ramdom dot) [b] STBY REC MONOTONE When fading in, the picture gradually changes from black-and-white to color. When fading out the picture gradually changes from color to black-and-white. 1) You can use this function when D ZOOM is set to OFF in the menu setting. 2) Fade in only 33

34 Using the fader function (1) When fading in [a] In the standby mode, press FADER until the desired fader indicator flashes. When fading out [b] In the recording mode, press FADER until the desired fader indicator flashes. The indicator changes as follows: FADER t M.FADER t BOUNCE t MONOTONE t OVERLAP t WIPE t DOT The last selected fader mode is indicated first of all. (2) Press START/STOP. The fader indicator stops flashing. After the fade in/out is carried out, your camcorder automatically returns to the normal mode. 1 FADER FADER To cancel the fader function Before pressing START/STOP, press FADER until the indicator disappears. 34

35 Using the fader function Notes The overlap, wipe and dot functions work only for tapes recorded in the Digital8 system. You cannot use the following functions while using the fader function. Also, you cannot use the fader function while using the following functions: Digital effect Low lux mode of PROGRAM AE (Overlap, wipe, or dot function only) Super NightShot Tape photo recording Before operating the overlap, wipe, or dot function Your camcorder stores the image on the tape. As the image is being stored, the indicator flashes quickly, and the image you are shooting disappears from the LCD or viewfinder screen. Depending on the tape condition, the image may not be recorded clearly. While using the bounce function, you cannot use the following functions: Focus Zoom Picture effect Note on the bounce function The BOUNCE indicator does not appear in the following mode or functions: D ZOOM is activated in the menu settings Wide mode Picture effect PROGRAM AE Advanced Recording Operations 35

36 Using special effects Picture effect You can digitally process images to obtain special effects like those in films or on the TV. NEG. ART [a] : The color and brightness of the image is reversed. SEPIA : The image is sepia. B&W : The image is monochrome (black-and-white). SOLARIZE [b] : The light intensity is clearer, and the picture looks like an illustration. SLIM [c] : The image expands vertically. STRETCH [d] : The image expands horizontally. PASTEL [e] : The contrast of the image is emphasized, and the image looks like an animated cartoon. MOSAIC [f] : The image is mosaic. [a] [b] [c] [d] [e] [f] (1) Press PICTURE EFFECT in CAMERA mode. The picture effect indicator appears. (2) Turn the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial to select the desired picture effect mode. The indicator changes as follows: NEG.ART y SEPIA y B&W y SOLARIZE y SLIM y STRETCH y PASTEL y MOSAIC 1 PICTURE EFFECT 2 NEG. ART To turn the picture effect function off Press PICTURE EFFECT. While using the picture effect function You cannot select OLD MOVIE with DIGITAL EFFECT. 36 When you turn the power off The picture effect is automatically canceled.

37 Using special effects Digital effect You can add special effects to recorded image using the various digital functions. The sound is recorded normally. STILL You can record a still image so that it is superimposed on a moving image. FLASH (FLASH MOTION) You can record still images successively at constant intervals. LUMI. (LUMINANCEKEY) You can swap a brighter area in a still image with a moving image. TRAIL You can record the image so that an incidental image like a trail is left. SLOW SHTR (SLOW SHUTTER) You can slow down the shutter speed. The slow shutter mode is good for recording dark images more brightly. However, the image may be less clear. OLD MOVIE You can add an old movie type atmosphere to images. Your camcorder automatically sets the wide mode to ON, picture effect to SEPIA, and the appropriate shutter speed. Advanced Recording Operations Still image Moving image STILL Still image Moving image LUMI. 37